Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

Thursday, December 12, 2013

SEVERED..a tale of sleepy hollow BY: DAX VARLEY



Blurb:

Katrina’s still haunted by her encounter with the Headless Horseman - the night he beckoned to her. Now he has risen again, slashing heads and terrorizing the quiet countryside.
Her only joy during this dismal darkness comes when Ichabod Crane, a gorgeous young man from Connecticut, moves to Sleepy Hollow and their attraction turns to romance.
When the Horseman marks Ichabod as his next victim, Katrina, despite dangerous efforts to save him, sees no other choice than for them to flee.
But the Horseman awaits. Now it’s up to her to sever the horror and alter the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.


Review:
This was the second novel that I've read by Dax Varley and once again, she's blown me away. The writing style is intelligent, easy to follow, and conducive with the setting. Although this novel is based around the time of the Revolutionary War, the characters are relatable and very entertaining. I was completely enthralled from the first page, and on the edge of my seat as the mystery unraveled.

After rereading Irving's tale, which was actually influenced by an Irish legend known as The Dullahan, I thoroughly enjoyed the route the author took with her version of the Headless Horseman and the inhabitants of Sleepy Hollow. There are several noticeable influences from other versions of the classic, but that does not take away from this story at all. Varley has turned the incorrigible Katrina into a loveable heroine, the lanky Ichabod into eye candy, and has manifested the Headless Horseman into a real being that is feared by all. The supporting characters are compelling as well, making this novel flow with incredible ease.

As expected, this author has done justice to a tale that has haunted many for centuries! This novel is romantic, scary, thrilling, and even comical at times. A story for YA and adults, I highly recommend this book!





 About the Author:





When Dax Varley isn’t reading, she’s slinging words onto a page. She lives in Richmond, Texas with her husband and a half-dozen imaginary friends.





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Tuesday, November 26, 2013

TWICE LOVED by: Wanda E. Brunstetter






BLURB:

Christmas 1945 offers a new beginning for a widow and widower:



A position in a used toy shop is an answer to prayer for Bev Winters, who finds herself widowed with a young daughter after World War II.  But, when her employer shows her surprising kindness she is unsure how to react.

After his wife’s death, Dan Fisher dutifully maintains her used toy shop and closes his heart to ever loving another woman.  Then Bev Winters enters his life, and he is drawn to help her and her daughter.  Will this working relationship turn into love?




REVIEW:



I received a copy of this novella through the First Reads program on the Goodreads website.


As soon as I opened the package containing this novella, I fell in love!  The slip cover is beautiful and each page is creatively bordered with a gorgeous Christmas design.  The back is filled with interesting facts and recipes that are an important part of our country’s history, and there’s a pattern for a cute toy as well.  As a Historical Fiction fan, and an individual who’s heard several first-hand accounts from WWII survivors, I was impressed by the expert manner in which the author dictates a world that so many of us couldn’t begin to imagine.  


Bev and Dan are precious characters with remarkable resolve, courage, and faith.  My heart broke for each one as they tried to push through the pain of losing a spouse, while staying true to their beliefs. Both struggle with the imperfections that we as humans must endure, but I was very satisfied with the paths that each chose in the end.  The author obviously has strong Christian values, which is tactfully translated in this intelligently written book.  I thoroughly enjoyed this remarkable Christmas tale of kindness, patience, and love.

BOOK LINKS:
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17214199-twice-loved?from_search=true

AMAZON:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DUMMM2O?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B00DUMMM2O&linkCode=shr&tag=ceeceelaws-20 via @amazon

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Wanda E. Brunstetter
A nationally recognized authority on the Amish community, Wanda E. Brunstetter has sold more than seven million copies of her fiction and nonfiction books. Wanda enjoys an uncommon kinship with the Amish and continues to visit their communities throughout the country. Her books have won numerous awards and topped several bestselling charts.



AUTHOR LINKS:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/79251.Wanda_E_Brunstetter

http://www.wandabrunstetter.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Wanda-E.-Brunstetter/e/B001JPC8GY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1